Air-Fried Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Buffalo chicken egg rolls are a fun and easy snack to make for game day or a party. They combine the classic flavours of buffalo chicken wings with the crispy texture of an egg roll. The best part? You can make them in an air fryer for a healthier, less messy alternative to deep-frying. This recipe is simple and can be prepared with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or hassle-free entertaining.

Choosing and preparing the chicken

Choosing the chicken for your buffalo chicken egg rolls is a crucial step. You can opt for boneless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, depending on your preference. If you're short on time, you can even use pre-cooked, shredded chicken or leftover chicken. Just ensure that the chicken is cooked and shredded before mixing it with the other ingredients.

When preparing the chicken, you can use various cooking methods such as boiling, baking, or pan-searing. If you're using an Instant Pot, add enough broth or water to cover the chicken and cook it on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker and cook the chicken for approximately 4 hours.

Once your chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks or a hand mixer. You want to ensure that the chicken is evenly shredded, as this will help it absorb the buffalo sauce more effectively and create a more flavorful filling.

Now it's time to mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. You can adjust the amount of sauce and its spiciness to your taste. Just remember to aim for a balance—you want the chicken to be moist and flavourful, but not too wet, as excess moisture can make the egg rolls soggy.

Making the filling

The filling is a crucial component of your buffalo chicken egg rolls, infusing them with flavour and moisture. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing the filling:

Ingredients

• Shredded Chicken: Start with cooked chicken, either boiled, baked, or even a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. You can also use leftover chicken or opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer to achieve a uniform texture.
• Buffalo Sauce: This spicy, tangy sauce is what gives the egg rolls their signature kick. You can adjust the spiciness to your preference.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a creamy texture to the filling and helps hold it together. Use cream cheese from a block, as the spreadable kind contains too much water.
• Cheese: While cheese is optional, it lends a gooey, creamy texture to the filling. You can use sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese. Grate the cheese yourself for better melting.
• Vegetables: For added texture and flavour, you can include shredded carrots, scallions, or green onions.

Mixing the Filling

• In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and buffalo sauce. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture.
• Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and mix thoroughly, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated.
• If you're using cheese, celery, onions, or other optional ingredients, now is the time to mix them in. The cheese will melt and bind the filling, while the vegetables add a refreshing crunch.
• Adjust the filling's moisture by adding more buffalo sauce if it seems too dry, or a little at a time if it's too wet. You want the filling to be moist but not soggy.

Tips

• If you prefer a milder flavour, you can substitute the buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweeter taste.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit or chopped cauliflower.
• You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two before filling and cooking the egg rolls.

Rolling the egg rolls

Start by placing a single wrapper on a clean surface, positioning it in a diamond shape with one corner pointing down, towards you. Place your filling—a few tablespoons should be enough—in the top corner of the wrapper. Then, it's time to start rolling! Fold the top corner over the filling and continue rolling downwards, folding in the left and right corners as you go.

Once you reach the bottom corner, it's time to seal the deal. Dip your fingers into the bowl of water and wet the remaining corner. Then, finish rolling, ensuring the egg roll is securely closed. Place the completed egg roll on your baking sheet and repeat the process until you've used up all your filling. Don't worry if they're not perfectly shaped—they'll still taste delicious!

Cooking the egg rolls

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your egg rolls! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking and shredding your chicken. You have several options for cooking: boiling, baking, using a rotisserie chicken, or any other method you prefer. Once your chicken is cooked, shred it and mix it with buffalo sauce in a large bowl. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated and adjust the spiciness to your taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Roll Filling

If you're adding cheese, celery, onions, or other ingredients, mix them with the buffalo chicken now. The cheese will melt and bind the filling, while vegetables will add a crunchy texture and extra flavour.

Step 3: Assemble the Egg Rolls

Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface or cutting board. Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the centre. Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, especially if you're a beginner at rolling egg rolls.

Step 4: Roll the Egg Rolls

Fold the wrapper's sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly. Seal the end with a bit of water or a flour paste (a mix of flour and water) to keep the egg roll closed during cooking.

Step 5: Prep the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 370-400°F (190-200°C). Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cook the Egg Rolls

Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other for even cooking. Lightly spray or brush the tops of the egg rolls with cooking oil to achieve a golden, crispy texture.

Step 7: Air Fry

Set the cook time for 8-12 minutes or until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to flip them halfway through the cooking process for even browning.

Step 8: Serve

Once the egg rolls are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, hot sauce, or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy your homemade, crispy, and delicious Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls!

Serving the egg rolls

Once your buffalo chicken egg rolls are cooked, it's time to serve them!

These egg rolls are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even as a fun meal. They are great for game days, parties, or just to enjoy as a tasty treat.

You can serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. If you want to add some extra spice, serve them with a bowl of buffalo sauce or hot sauce on the side. For a refreshing crunch, include some celery or carrot sticks on the side.

If you're serving these egg rolls as a meal, you can add some side salads or other sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or cilantro lime rice.

And remember, you can always adjust the recipe to your liking by adding more or less spice, different types of cheese, or other fillings. Enjoy your delicious and crispy buffalo chicken egg rolls!

Frequently asked questions